Maybe you watched “Riding Giants,” and the thought of learning to surf has stuck in your mind ever since. Surfing is the epitome of the coolest sport, but in reality, it is a tough test of perseverance and balance, obviously. Despite the popular word that surfing is a dangerous sport, the actual fatality rate is approximately 1 in 2,500,000. However, it is better to play safe than take unnecessary risks.

So, if you are thinking of hitting the waves this year, we have curated some of the essential tips for budding surfers. These tips will make your first paddle out a little less daunting.

The Right Mindset

The ocean is powerful and quite unpredictable. Having that in mind, always keep your safety first. Some of the ways to be safe while surfing are:

• Never surf alone, especially if you are a beginner
• Be honest with yourself about your swimming ability and ocean knowledge
• Start on small waves at beaches with gentle slopes and lifeguards present. Many beach towns offer surf instruction, like surf lessons in Beach Haven
• Ripe currents are powerful channels of water that flow away from the shore. Learn to identify them and escape them

The Right Equipment

Having an understanding of the right kind of equipment is crucial for surfing. This includes surfboard selection, wetsuits, ear protection, etc. We recommend curating a surfing equipment checklist beforehand. As a beginner, you might be wondering how you can procure good quality gear without burning a hole in your pocket.

The solution is to start by renting a beginner-friendly surfboard, among other equipment. You can always build on it later, according to your experience and budget.

The Right Lessons

Now, let’s be real! Surfing is not an easy sport, as evident from the fact that one is advised to never surf alone as a beginner. So, how can one approach be surfing safely? The answer is to invest in surfing lessons. There are many advantages to taking surfing lessons rather than doing it on your own. Some of them are:

• You can customize your surfing experience by taking either private or group sessions with people of your age. A fun fact is that 71 percent of the total surfing participants are in the 6- to 34-year-old age range.
• An instructor will always prioritize your safety. They can also provide personalized feedback to help you progress quickly.
• An instructor also guides you on proper surfing etiquette to avoid any potential conflicts with other surfers. However, it is always helpful to have a basic understanding of surfing etiquette regardless.

Wrapping Up

We hope that these essential tips equip you with the knowledge to take the first step towards surfing safely. Surfing takes time and practice, so do not get discouraged if you are not progressing at jet speed. Always remember to enjoy the process and celebrate every small victory. So, grab your board and get ready to experience the thrill of surfing.